Newly manufactured cars of the automobile maker Honda await export at port in Yokohama, south of Tokyo June 23, 2015.Toru Hanai/File Photo

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's exports fell at the fastest pace in four months in May on supply chain disruptions from the Kumamoto earthquake and slow growth in emerging markets - foreshadowing gloomy trade prospects for the current quarter.

Exports are likely to expand in coming months as overseas demand shows signs of stabilizing, but Prime Minister Shinzo Abe remains under pressure to support growth as further gains in the yen threaten exports and corporate earnings.

"There is strong reason to believe exports will pick up from July-September. We are not in a recession, but more gains in the yen would become a problem."

Exports fell in May on declines in shipments of steel, semiconductors and electronic parts, the data showed.

A series of earthquakes struck the southern manufacturing hub of Kumamoto in mid-April destroying homes, triggering landslides and stopping production of electronics and car parts at factories in the area.

Many companies were able to resume production quickly, but it has taken a while for some plants to return to full capacity.